Cortland County Disaster Risk
Cortland County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
51th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#51
of 62 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
72th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 72% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 10% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Very Low
Higher than 37% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cortland County, New York
Cortland County ranks among the safest
Cortland County's composite risk score of 51.24 places it well below the national average, earning a relatively low risk rating. This significantly below-average score reflects notably low exposure to most major natural hazards, particularly wildfires and tornadoes. Cortland residents enjoy one of the more favorable disaster risk profiles in the nation.
New York's safest county in this comparison
At 51.24, Cortland County scores substantially below New York's state average of 69.42, ranking it among the state's safest counties for natural disaster exposure. This favorable position means Cortland residents face significantly lower disaster vulnerability compared to most New York neighbors. The county's risk profile simplifies insurance decisions and preparedness planning.
Lowest-risk county in this regional group
Cortland's 51.24 score ranks it as the safest county among these eight, well below even Essex County (62.66) and Clinton County (68.80). This substantially lower exposure compared to regional peers like Chenango (72.33) and Delaware (83.33) reflects notably gentler terrain and weather patterns. Your county's favorable position is a genuine asset for long-term planning and property investment.
Flooding is your only significant concern
Cortland County's flood risk (71.85) stands as its primary natural hazard exposure, though still below the state average. Wildfire risk (9.89) ranks among the nation's lowest, and tornado exposure (37.40) remains well-managed. Your hazard profile is unusually straightforward compared to most counties.
Flood insurance provides essential coverage
Despite Cortland's exceptional overall safety ranking, flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program remains important given your county's 71.85 flood risk score. Standard homeowners insurance combined with this specialized flood coverage provides comprehensive protection for Cortland properties. Annual review of coverage ensures your policy reflects your property's actual risk.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cortland County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cortland County
Risk Verdict
With a national percentile rank of 51th, Cortland County faces below-average hazard exposure relative to U.S. counties as a whole. Above-average risk does not mean imminent danger; it signals that informed, hazard-specific preparedness has high value here.
Hazard Breakdown
Flood risk is Cortland County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 72th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Hurricane ranks second at the 59th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (39th percentile), tornado (37th percentile), wildfire (10th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With flood risk ranking at the 72th percentile nationally, Cortland County residents face one of the most financially damaging hazards without specialized coverage. Flood insurance through the NFIP or a private carrier is worth evaluating regardless of current mortgage requirements. Secondary hurricane exposure at the 59th percentile adds a second preparedness layer; households should review coverage options and alert sign-up for both hazard types. Registering for Cortland County's county emergency alert system — typically through the county emergency management office's website — ensures households receive early warning when flood events develop faster than forecast.
Regional Context
Cortland County falls 18.2 points below New York's typical county risk level, making it one of the safer natural-hazard environments in the state.
Is your household prepared for Cortland County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cortland County, NY?
What types of natural hazards affect Cortland County?
How does Cortland County risk compare to the New York average?
Is Cortland County at risk for flooding?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Cortland County a safe place to live?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.